In the News
Engaging posters capture spirit of Kokua Market
Kokua Market, the Manoa health food cooperative which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has a new look with dozens of somewhat satirical graphic posters designed to reflect the hippie-era character of its staff, members and mission.
Longtime customer Oren Schlieman, who started the marketing firm Info Grafik in 1985, formulated a business strategy last fall to refresh Kokua’s brand and reboot its marketing. It’s based on the co-op’s “More Ono. More Pono” motto, derived from a Slow Food Oahu bumper sticker, with the words, “ono” and “pono.”
Member support, increased demand fuel Kokua Market turnaround
Over a year ago, the lights were turned off, the shelves were empty and Kokua Market was on the brink of shutting down after nearly 50 years in Moiliili.
Today, despite the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has forced on small businesses, the natural foods market is making a comeback. Ironically, the current demand for fresh food and other supplies has helped in a struggle to stay afloat that began nearly two years ago.
Kokua pours in to help Kokua Market avert shutdown
A nearly 50-year-old Moiliili natural foods store owned by many of its own customers has sidestepped potential closure this month after a successful fundraising campaign.
Kokua Market, Oahu’s only natural-food cooperative, raised $167,000 last month selling co-op shares to more than 400 new and existing members.
Struggling grocery co-op Kokua Market devises rescue plan
Oahu’s only natural foods cooperative, Kokua Market, had a near-death experience last month.
After struggling financially last year due to expanded competition and construction-related disruptions on an adjacent property, the board guiding the nearly 50-year-old Moiliili grocery owned by about 4,000 members was resolved to call it quits.
Kokua Market struggles to stay afloat
Kokua Market needs some kokua.
The natural foods store and cooperative in Moiliili is seeking help after suffering financial difficulties in recent months largely attributed to disruptions from a new neighboring property owner.
That neighbor, a 590-bed collegiate rental housing tower called Hale Mahana, opened in August. Normally, a big new base of potential customers moving in next door would be a good thing for a grocery store. But Kokua Market claims that traffic disruptions from construction and other negative effects from the tower have contributed to a crisis.